McCoy, Avril, Quinn named NFC players of the week

New York, NY – Eagles running back LeSean McCoy, Lions defensive end Cliff Avril and Rams defensive end Robert Quinn have been honored as the NFC's top players for Week 8 of the NFL season.

McCoy was named the offensive player of the week for his career performance in Philadelphia's 34-7 victory against Dallas on Sunday night. He ran for 185 yards on 30 carries -- both career highs -- and scored twice. McCoy also caught two passes for 15 yards.

Avril made numerous key plays to help the Lions take a 45-10 victory at Denver, and earned the defensive award. His biggest play came early in the second half, when he came around the corner to strip Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow of the ball, picked it up and took it into the end zone from 24 yards out.

He finished with two sacks, two forced fumbles and three tackles.

Quinn earned the special teams honor after blocking a punt to set up a touchdown in St. Louis' 31-21 upset of New Orleans. He also recorded two tackles and a sack on defense.

Others considered for the offensive award included San Francisco's Frank Gore, who ran for 134 yards and a touchdown in a 20-10 victory over Cleveland; St. Louis running back Steven Jackson, who rushed for 159 yards and two scores; and New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, who threw for 349 yards with two touchdowns in a 20-17 win over Miami.

Defensive nominees included Detroit cornerback Chris Houston, who had six tackles and returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown; and St. Louis defensive end Chris Long, who recorded three sacks.

Arizona rookie Patrick Peterson was considered for the special teams award thanks to an 82-yard punt return for a touchdown in a 30-27 loss to Baltimore.